Liberal candidate Garry Parenteau believes he can help bring change to the Lakeland constituency.
“I believe it's time for change and the opportunity's here,” he said, “and I'd like to be a part of that opportunity for our constituency.”
Parenteau, a resident of the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, has been involved in small business and local politics for a “number of years.” He was the Vice President of Finance with the Liberal Party’s Aboriginal Peoples Commission, sat on the Aboriginal Advisory Board for the Bank of Montreal, and he’s driven transit in Edmonton.
More importantly, however, he said he believes in what the Liberal Party stands for.
“I'm a longstanding Liberal,” he explained. “I believe I can deliver that message.”
Parenteau said he decided to run in the Oct. 19 federal election because there was no one else running for the Liberals – similar to what happened during the provincial election.
“Every person has a right to vote for different parties in different areas of the riding,” he said. “I decided that in order for constituents to have a voice, that we needed a candidate, so I put my name in.”
Parenteau said he believes that if the Liberals win the riding, only good things can happen to the Lakeland region. He cited the energy industry as one example.
“The gas industry does impact a lot of residents in the Lakeland constituency because of all the service providers that we have with the heavy oil. So, I think that's a major issue,” he said. “(We need) ways to make growth sustainable and more stable.”
He also thinks the Lakeland region can benefit from a more open government.
“I think there has to be an open door policy for the constituents of Lakeland,” he said. “I know I definitely look at, in Lakeland, having a central office (and making) sure everybody's welcome and open to attend that office.”
Because of his experience with different levels of politics, he thinks he’d be the best candidate for the riding.
“I believe I'm able to listen to people's concerns (and) address those concerns in a proper manner,” he explained, “and if they have issues, hopefully I can address those and support that through the party platform.”
The federal election will take place on Oct. 19,
